Most of England’s rivers polluted, reports EA

23/09/2020

According to the most recent figures from the Environment Agency 86% of rivers in England are failing to meet ecological standards.

While conditions have improved since the 1990s the report reveals that we are completely off track to meet the 2027 target of having 100% healthy waters.

The three main culprits behind our polluted rivers are sewage, farming, and industrial chemicals.

The report spells bad news for England’s river-dependent dragonfly species, particularly those known to be sensitive to pollution, such as the Common Clubtail. Our recent report on the species suggests its distribution is becoming more and more restricted read here.

If you see signs of a pollution incident please report it as fast as possible to the incident hotline.

 

 

Image by Chesapeake Bay Program, flickr